Acenar

Delicious, safe, Mexican lunch on the Riverwalk. My daughter, who is nine years old has celiac, and we very rarely eat out. The chips and salsa are gluten-free, and we shared a chicken tortilla soup, which was gluten-free. For her entrée, they could make any taco gluten-free by using corn tortillas and they had a separate pan to heat up the tortillas. Finally, she had chocolate ice cream and rounded out a perfect day. So very happy! She is highly sensitive and did not get sick.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Went for happy hour, had the jicama shrimp tacos and they were delicious! Hubby (non gf) had quesadilla and the queso dip with chorizo and really enjoyed it. 2 apps each were more than enough food, in fact I couldn’t finish mine.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

The menu noted GF items, the waiter was very helpful and the food was great! I had the vegetarian chili rellenos, fire roasted salsa, guacamole and chips. No issues. Enjoy!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I really enjoyed eating in this restaurant! They did not have a specific GF menu but the server was very knowledgeable and clear about what I could and couldn’t eat and there was plenty of choice. I had chipotle chicken which was lovely! The guac and chips was great too! Would go back!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Many GF options. The waiter even ordered me rice without butter since I’m dairy free. Excellent mushroom and squash tacos!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Good food. Had the pork tenderloin. They checked the meal and drink ordered to ensure they were gluten free. Items well marked on menu.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I had fresh tortilla chips and salsa plus beef skewers over slaw. It was all delicious. Great view overlooking Riverwalk.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The food was delicious! GF menu options are clearly marked. There is no dedicated fryer, so their homemade tortilla chips are cross contaminated. However, they have pre-packaged corn tortillas chips available upon request. Lastly, be sure to ask for the corn tortillas to be grilled separately. I'm not certain if they have completely different corn tortillas for those avoiding gluten, or if they have a special grill spot for them. What happened is that, immediately after receiving our food, a different server (unaware of my celiac disease) came by and asked us if we wanted tortillas. We both asked for corn, and I just didn't ask about separate grilling surfaces... Then, our waiter came by and exclaimed, "don't eat those!" he said they had "cross contamination," from the grill, but the safe ones that came out looked very different--they were smaller (like for street tacos), and were not nearly as fluffy as the other corn tortillas my husband ate. So, at this time, I am uncertain if the safe ones I ate were the ones that happened to be ready the quickest, or if they're a completely different product. Ask for a "separate grilling surface for GF corn tortillas," and you'll be fine!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for soy-free

They have gluten free options that my kids loved and they tried to accommodate me being dairy free. The food was good my kids had the chicken chalupa‘s and I had the Roasted mushrooms and squash served fajita-style with grilled onions, peppers, black beans and housemade corn tortillas. It was very loud where we sat and our waiter wasn’t very attentive, but over all it was a alright.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

The restaurant is right on the river. If you can sit outside, the atmosphere is nice. But we got stuck in a downstairs room that was loud and very crowded. The food was ok- they do have many gluten free options on the menu that are clearly marked. Fresh made guacamole was good, and waiter said they had separate gluten feee chips. I had chicken tortilla soup that had very little chicken and a lot of tortilla in it and it was very salty. Son had tacos which looked ok, but none of the food was all that amazing. Very American Tex-mex style with standard rice and refried beans. I didn’t think it was anything special, but it served the purpose for us needing a last minute gluten free meal. I did not get sick.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Arrived today, was ready for from Mexican food. Headed here.

Pros Clearly marked menu and knowledgeable staff

Cons Limited GF ( celiac safe ) options. House made tortilla chips are GF but no dedicated GF fryer so not celiac safe. Same thing with the tortillas. Corn tortillas are heated on the same grill as flour.

But again, Pro, the wait staff was knowledgeable.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Waiter was knowledgeable and took the time to ensure meal was GF. Waiter also brought up there not being cross contamination with the meal I ordered before I asked.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Super good and everything is marked on the menu! Didn’t have any reactions and felt safe eating there

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Gilbert the server was so knowledgeable…I was blown away! Nachos with carnitas made first thing in the morning after the oil is drained and the dryer cleaned every night? Yes, please! I also had chocolate mousse. I highly recommend Acenar and thanks to the others whose reviews made me safe eating here. Also, the chips are fried, but they do have separate GF chips available. Unsure as to when in the day the chips are made. Cheers!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

THIS PLACE is amazing!!!! The food is outstanding. I have celiac and am extremely sensitive. We had the queso appetizer and chicken tacos. This place was a blessing. Can’t wait to go back. They also had a special frier for chips.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great tasting food. Some staff are more knowledgeable than others - but manager even called head chef to get safe answers for me! Great setting. Have GF chips even!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

Holy cow! The food was so good and the waiter was awesome! He knew what I couldn’t and couldn’t eat and make recommendations based on that. I asked for corn tortilla to go with my food, when he brought them out and another thing of corn tortillas asked if I could have those and he said Nooooo very expressively, it was quite funny but he didn’t kiss a beat when I asked. The GF chips are better than their house made Chips according to my entire family. I had the pork with a tamale. Everyone enjoyed their lunch and drinks. Service for us was top notch. They did add an automatic 20% gratuity for our group of 7.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I was comfortable eating here! Items were clearly marked GF and the wait staff answered my questions confidently. They had separate gluten free chips that they made my nachos with.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I wanted to love this place and while the food tasted amazing, my daughter definitely got glutened. Items marked GF we were told could be fried in the same fryer as flour items. She avoided anything fried and got shrimp tacos that we were told were GF with corn tortillas but grilled on shared surfaces as well, which was why these were NOT marked GF. Nothing seemed to be 100% guaranteed and unfortunately she is paying the price right now.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Acenar is a very cool restaurant by the River Walk although it is not on the fancy side it is still very nice. I love that it is more quiet. The food is pretty good. I especially like the rice and refried beans! Yum! They really were knowledgeable. Johnny my waiter even took it upon him self to substitute a ingredient so I would be safe. Talk about attentive service! I recommend this place if you are gluten intolerant or have Celiac.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

I told them I have Celiac disease and they were very careful. I tested my food with my Nima Tester and the result was a smiley face (no gluten). The food was incredible and I didn't get sick!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

Highly recommend! They take gluten and dairy allergies very seriously.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

We called & checked with the restaurant before we came so we were prepared based on the comments we read here. We did get the gf chips, my daughter ordered nachos off the kids menu & they made them using the same gf chips. I ordered the chalupas, which were also marked on the menu & they were tasty. We ended the night with their chocolate gf dessert & neither of us had problems. Our waiter was very communicative when we talked through everything with him!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We had a great experience at Acenar. Please speak to your waiter first thing. Ours saved us from eating their regular CC tortilla chips and brought us safe chips. We navigated the GF like we always do—read cautiously and think about possible CC issues. We had no problems with our meals and it was delicious.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Loved this place! Gf is marked on the menu. Gf chips on request. Great tableside guac, and the pork tenderloin with mole was so yummy. I’m celiac and didn’t get sick.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Wow!!! I got to have chips!! They have GF chips and non GF chips. Just ask!! There are many items on the menu to choose from and our server was super knowledgeable!! But really…. Chips!!! I’m super sensitive and did not get sick!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Server told us *after* we ate that chips are made in a shared fryer. Chicken tenders are fried in the same oil. Menu has chips labeled gluten free.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

I am GF and DF. The server knew exactly what I could eat. We got Paradilla for 2 with beef, shrimp, chicken, carnitas, spicy sausage. It was amazing. Menu marked with GF symbol. They also have chips and salsa I could eat. Great food great service.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

We went twice over the weekend. I got the bean and cheese nachos w/chicken and had no reaction. The waitstaff was very kind and understanding, and the nachos were simple, but delicious!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Items mark as GF on menu. Good food. Some confusion between GF menu and server knowledge. I followed the servers recommendation, not the menu.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

maybe it was an off night or different staff from COVID. I ordered the skirt steak that stated it was GF. It came out very quickly and I was assured it was safe. I didn’t think the food was that great and I got sick afterward from what seems like cross contamination.

May be worth trying based on other reviews, but not a great experience for me

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Excellent food and lots of options. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful with making substitutions. Everything I ate was wonderful.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Several gf options clearly marked on the menu. My server was very knowledgeable. He even brought freshly made corn tortillas to our table.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Glad for the reviews about the chips so we would know to ask for GF ones. Food was good and we stuck to the ones marked GF. They had a chocolate mousse/flourless chocolate cake that my teens devoured. No ill effects after eating here.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

The food was amazing but unfortunately, I was very sick after eating here. I ordered the cheese and verde enchilada. Our server knew what celiac was and double checked with the chef to ensure they could be made gf. I’m sure this was just a cross contamination issue but just be cautious

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Informed staff of allergy. Ordered guacamole appetizer. Was informed after eating that the chips were not gluten free. Sick for 12 hours. Would not recommend

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

The food was so good! We appreciate server John, he took great care of us. I’m so glad we took a chance here. Best meals we had while visiting the area.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch

Very good food and the server was very knowledgeable.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

They were so nice and so careful. Brought gf chips for the table and the food was delicious, even got a gf dessert.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We enjoyed our experience. Good food at a fair price on the Riverwalk. Gluten free menu items are clearly marked. Slow service but overall a nice time.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

Visited here for lunch earlier today and the food was delicious and gluten free. The staff is very knowledgeable and food is prepared under supervision of a chef knowledgeable about food allergies. I had no issues as a celiac and plan on visiting again very soon.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Gf chips and salsa standard, 1st order is free but refill is $4. Beef fajitas were gf with corn tortillas. They recently changed brands of ice cream, so the waitress was unsure if it was gf or not.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Staff understood exactly what Celiacs is and directed me to what I could eat. No reaction. The food was ok. The rice and beans are very good but enchiladas were mediocre. The chips are safe too.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Staff were awesome. Menu clearly marked. Lots of options. We had the snapper adobo style, guacamole, and Pazole soup. So amazing we came back for a second meal before heading back to Detroit. The house made chips are NoT gluten feee so be careful. Staff very knowledgeable

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The staff was very knowledgeable and our food was excellent. There are 2 kinds of corn chips. The house made ones are not gf so be sure to ask ..... it is not 100% gf restaurant so you are not 100% safe but pretty close! I’d go back again

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Delicious food. Knowledgable staff who clarified chips come from an offsite location with a dedicated fryer.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The menu is marked with gluten free options, and the chips at the table are gf. The server was able to ask the chef to make items on the children’s gluten free as well. The food was a little dry though.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I had a great experience here! They brought out GF chips for the salsa when I told them I was gluten free with celiac. Everything was delicious and to die for. We got the guacamole with GF chips as an appetizer and it was yummy! For my entree, I got the vegetarian enchiladas. I also have a dairy allergy, and the veggies on the inside are typically pan fried in butter but they pan fried them in oil for me and omitted cheese. The food runner double checked with the chef to ensure my enchiladas were GF & DF as he got nervous that they were not when he ran them out. Turns out, they were safe! Everything was so tasty and I can’t wait to go back next time I’m in San Antonio! BONUS: if you sit on the patio, you get a pretty view overlooking the riverwalk.

Celiac friendly?

Yes